Establishing a health care center in our community

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[The Courier Press occassionally prints opinion pieces from members of the community on pertinent topics. Below is a submission from a Crawford County resident.]

 

By Cassie Hubanks

 

Our community has long struggled with limited access to healthcare and mental health services, a challenge that disproportionately impacts our rural population, which is already burdened by poverty, stigma, and a lack of resources. By establishing a health care center, we have an opportunity to transform the well-being of our residents, address pressing vulnerabilities, and build a stronger, more resilient community.

 

Understanding the Challenges

Our recent community health assessment identified several weaknesses that hinder the well-being of our residents:

• Limited Transportation: Public transportation is scarce, leaving many without reliable means to reach healthcare services, jobs, and other vital resources outside our immediate area. This lack of mobility isolates individuals and creates barriers to essential care.

• Equitable Access Issues: Vulnerable populations, including the aging, children, and those in need of mental health or substance abuse treatment, face disproportionate challenges in accessing the care they need. These barriers perpetuate cycles of poverty and poor health.

• Lack of Treatment Facilities: Our area lacks sufficient local facilities, particularly for mental health and substance abuse treatment. This absence forces residents to travel long distances for care or, worse, go without treatment entirely.

• Affordable Housing Shortage: The shortage of affordable and livable housing exacerbates stress and instability for many families, further undermining mental and physical health.

• Social Isolation: The rural nature of our community often leads to feelings of isolation, which weakens social bonds and negatively impacts individual well-being.

Additionally, threats such as economic challenges, policy changes, and population decline further strain our community’s capacity to provide support. These systemic issues highlight the urgent need for a local health care center that addresses both medical and mental health needs.

 

The Role of School-Based Health Centers

One important solution we can consider is the establishment of school-based health centers (SBHCs). These centers have proven to significantly improve both community health and educational outcomes. With around 3,000 school-based health centers operating in more than 30 states across the U.S., they provide primary and preventive care to students in medically underserved areas—and our community could greatly benefit from such a model.

These centers are a direct way to address the health care needs of children who might otherwise fall behind in their education due to unmet health needs. Services such as vaccinations, treatment for flu, asthma, and diabetes, and mental health care can be provided on-site, helping students stay healthy and focused on their education. Robert Boyd, president and CEO of the School-Based Health Alliance, has emphasized, “Healthy kids learn better.” By having a health care center right in the school, children can receive the care they need without missing significant school time, which is often a barrier for families with limited transportation or financial resources.

Beyond individual health, school-based health centers have a broader impact on community well-being. Research shows that after health centers opened in schools, students' hospitalizations for asthma decreased 2.4-fold and their emergency room visits for asthma dropped by 33.5 percent. This means fewer trips to the hospital and less disruption to family and community life. Additionally, students who utilize school-based clinics show improved attendance, better grades, and are more likely to be promoted to the next grade. These outcomes help to break the cycle of poor health and low educational achievement, which often perpetuates cycles of poverty.

Schools are central institutions in our communities, making them ideal places to offer health care services. By integrating health services into schools, we can reach students who might otherwise be anxious about visiting doctors’ offices or whose families lack the resources to seek care elsewhere. The CDC has recommended school-based health centers as a key strategy to advance health equity, helping to reduce disparities between wealthier and underserved populations.

 

The Role of Mental Health in Community Well-Being

Mental health is fundamental to overall health and well-being. Conditions like depression and anxiety not only impact individuals but also hinder community engagement and economic productivity. Poor mental health can prevent people from participating in healthy behaviors, maintaining employment, or building strong social connections.

Mental health challenges do not exist in isolation. They are deeply intertwined with social determinants of health such as income, education, employment, housing, and access to resources. For example, financial stress, unstable housing, and inadequate healthcare access can exacerbate mental health issues. Conversely, strong social support, stable jobs, and safe living environments promote resilience and wellness.

In our community, the shortage of mental health providers has left many without the care they need. This gap highlights the importance of a health care center that prioritizes mental health services, including therapy, crisis intervention, and substance abuse treatment. By addressing both individual care and broader social factors, we can create a supportive environment that fosters healing and growth.

 

Building a Vision for Community Healing

The establishment of a health care center is not just about providing medical treatment; it is about fostering community healing and resilience. A health care center would:

• Provide accessible and comprehensive care for both physical and mental health needs.

• Serve as a hub for community resources, including transportation assistance, housing support, and educational programs.

• Strengthen social connections by offering a space for group activities, support networks, and community events.

• Reduce stigma around mental health and substance abuse by promoting understanding and acceptance.

By addressing the root causes of health disparities, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

 

A Call to Action

Our community deserves a future where health and well-being are within reach for all.

Establishing a health care center is a critical step toward achieving that vision. Together, we can advocate for funding, support policy changes, and build partnerships that make this dream a reality. People who need the services that are limited in our community are not dangerous or unsafe and will not harm students if near a school. They are our students, their parents, teachers, and neighbors. Mental health affects everyone and should not be villainized. Let us come together to prioritize the health of our neighbors, strengthen our community bonds, and ensure that no one is left behind.

Crossing Rivers Health’s health needs assessment can be found at https://www.crossingrivers.org/resources/community-health-needs-assessment/.

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